Do I Need a VIN Verification in California?

A VIN verification confirms that the Vehicle Identification Number on your car, motorcycle, trailer or RV matches your title and registration paperwork. In California, it's documented on the DMV's REG 31 (Verification of Vehicle) form.

The purpose is simple: the DMV wants to be certain the vehicle you're registering is really the vehicle described on your documents. This protects buyers, prevents fraud, and keeps California's records accurate.

You will typically need a VIN verification if you are registering an out-of-state vehicle in California for the first time, if your vehicle was previously registered elsewhere, or if the DMV cannot confirm the VIN from its records. Homemade trailers and certain specialty vehicles also require one.

If the DMV mails you a REG 31 or tells you a verification is needed, that's your signal. When in doubt, a quick phone call to us will tell you whether it applies to your situation.

A VIN verification can be completed by DMV staff, law enforcement, or a licensed vehicle verifier. Using a licensed mobile verifier means you skip the DMV line entirely — we come to your home or office in Orange County or Los Angeles County and hand you a completed REG 31 on the spot.

Have your vehicle, your out-of-state title or registration, and a few minutes available. Call us and we'll schedule a same-day or next-day appointment at your location. Most verifications take 15–20 minutes.